A Conversation with an 85 Year-Old-Man in a Suit and Hat who I Passed on the Street

Man: Excuse me!  Excuse me!

Me: Yes...

Man: You aren't Veronese, true?    [Veronese is the adjective for people from Verona.]

Me: No... I'm American.

Man: From where in America?
Me: From San Antonio, Texas.

Man: Ahh... I know America well. taking out a piece of candy and offering it to me

Me: Yes?

Man: Yes, I went to New York and Philadelphia a very, very long time ago.  Do you know how I knew you weren't Veronese?  You smile.  Veronese don't smile.  They don't smile.  I don't know why we don't smile.  Who knows... Have I given you a piece of candy?

Me: Yes.

Man: Well, here's another one for tomorrow.

Me: Thank you.

... And we shook hands and I leaned to slowly kiss both cheeks.